Gael force

Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes called for Gaelic to be given Unesco status as she delivered an entire Holyrood speech in the language.

Why is it that when only half of Scotland ever spoke Gaelic they are trying to push it down 100 per cent of people’s throats?

Fiona Mcallister

Why the opposition? This certainly isn’t political, it is a matter of cultural importance and part of the broad sweep of Scottish history. No one is trying to force the language on anybody. Just don’t let it die through neglect. I’m not a Gaelic speaker, not ever likely to be, but I love hearing this language. It is melodic and vibrant.

Roderick Goult

The use of Gaelic and Scots is about creating an atmosphere which tells speakers of Gaelic and Scots, languages which have been subject to oppression and ridicule in the past, that the languages are respected, are welcomed, and can be used. But more than that, the use of Gaelic and Scots in public signage is about acknowledging Scottish heritage and about making a public statement that Scotland is a country in its own right. And THAT is what unionists are afraid of.

Duncan Macniven

Wish I had the talent and/or necessity to speak Gaelic but let’s be honest, it’s redundant. I wouldn’t encourage anyone to give up Gaelic, nor Latin, but what advantage will come of it in an age where our youth struggle with simple English and maths?

Douglas Armstrong

Judging from comments on Facebook, a big chunk of the adult population struggles with simple English too.

Melanie Collison

I cannot understand why some people in Scotland still have such an anti-gaelic attitude. It’s about our history, a large part of which was bloody and cruel. The Gaels were very badly treated by our English and Scottish overlords during the Highland Clearances, amounting to genocide as it would be judged today. It is something to be proud of, that Gaelic still exists, despite all the attempted ethnic cleansing. It seems the ethnic cleansing might still be going on in some circles. It is incumbent on all Scots to learn to speak and understand the most Scottish of languages.

John B Macdonald

Living in the romantic past. Sorry, but Gaelic should not be taught to all, that is not how it works. Keep it alive and kicking but do not presume there should be any desire to teach a language that is not used by the rest of the country, the UK, Europe or in the world.

Finn Cooper

I would be interested to know how many MSPS understood the speech and speak Gaelic. I am in favour of protecting Gaelic, but am at a loss to understand why the Central Belt and Borders are having Gaelic forced on them.

Mike Lawrie

If someone wishes to express themselves in the language they feel most comfortable using why criticise them? It is not a dead language, after all. Well done to the young lady.

Donald Macgregor

What about the idea that every single SNP minister should be able to speak Gaelic. It should be part of the criteria to represent the party. Be rude not to. If the taxpayer is going to fund this then they should be leading by example.

Marie Haswell